Once I stood at the edge of life
Clothed in a mortal body,
Leaving the shores of the only home I knew;
To cross the vast ocean of experience
To a fullness of joy in the
Promised Land of glory beyond.
I now stand at the edge of another
Crossing of the great deep.
I see that my vessel has been prepared
“Tight like a dish” by the Lord
For this challenging voyage.
Yet, I am unsure and
Overwhelmed by the mere size
Of all the possibilities for failure and success.
So I cry in mighty prayer.
How will I steer?
How do I know what course to take?
He gently says, “Trust me, I will steer for you.
I will go before you to prepare the way.
I will see you safely to the journey’s end.
By my mighty power, through miracles
I will open the heavens to move you
Victoriously through all opposition.
Follow me, for I am the Way!”
How do I keep my spirit alive?
How do I breathe when the waves overpower?
His words ring in my ears,
“In the world ye shall have tribulation:
But be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world.
Follow my instructions and you will have the
Blessings of my sustaining spirit to always
Be with you, giving you power to
Endure to the end full of abundant life.
Take my name upon you.
Remember me and
Keep my commandments, for I am the Life!”
How do I see clearly in all the darkness?
How will I understand what is truth?
“What would you have me do?” He replies,
“What tool do you choose by which to see?
I am the truth and the light of the world! “
I follow a pattern in scripture.
I go to a high mountain top,
A holy place of conversion,
Commitment and covenants.
High above the natural man world;
There in a state of perfect stillness
I listen.
I wait.
I come to know God.
With my skill and talents I
Work hard to create tools for light.
16 stones, a painting, a poem.
A life.
The fire of the Holy Ghost
Burns out my impurities
Over and over again,
Until I am transparent as glass;
A clear molten orb able to
Receive and give Light.
I have faith that the touch of His
Finger will make my 16 stones,
My painting, my poem,
My life glow with His light,
Be made strong by His power and
Grow into the fruit of His vine.
With trust in the Lord’s ability to steer,
I now step into the barge “tight like a dish”
Facing the unknown with faith.
My covenant provisions are close by me.
My willingness to obey hatch is secure.
I am clothed in the full armor of God,
Carrying my 16 glowing stones for light.
I am ready to experience yet another
Crossing of the great deep to bring
Me closer to the Promised Land
C.S. Blackburn 